Gallbladder Surgery

What is a cholecystectomy?

A cholecystectomy is surgery to remove your gallbladder.

The gallbladder is a small organ under your liver. It is on the upper right side of your belly or abdomen. The gallbladder stores a digestive juice called bile which is made in the liver.

There are 2 types of surgery to remove the gallbladder:

Open (traditional) method. In this method, 1 cut (incision) about 4 to 6 inches long is made in the upper right-hand side of your belly. The surgeon finds the gallbladder and takes it out through the incision.
Laparoscopic method. This method uses 3 to 4 very small incisions. It uses a long, thin tube called a laparoscope. The tube has a tiny video camera and surgical tools. The tube, camera, and tools are put in through the incisions. The surgeon does the surgery while looking at a TV monitor. The gallbladder is removed through 1 of the incisions.

A laparoscopic cholecystectomy uses small incisions in your belly, resulting in less bleeding and shorter recovery time than an open surgery.

In some cases, the laparoscope may reveal advanced disease in the gallbladder or other complications, which may require the surgeon to opt for an open surgery method in order to safely remove the gallbladder.

FAQ

Why might I need a cholecystectomy?

A cholecystectomy may be done if your gallbladder:

Has lumps of solid material (gallstones)
Is red or swollen (inflamed), or infected (cholecystitis)
Is cancerous

Gallbladder problems may cause pain which:

Is usually on the right side or middle of your upper belly
May be constant or may get worse after a heavy meal
May sometimes feel more like fullness than pain
May be felt in your back and in the tip of your right shoulder blade

Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills.

The symptoms of gallbladder problems can mimic those of other health issues. To ensure accurate diagnosis, always consult your healthcare provider.

What are the risks of a cholecystectomy?

Some possible complications of a cholecystectomy may include:

Bleeding
Infection
Injury to the tube (the bile duct) that carries bile from the gallbladder to the small intestine
Liver injury
Scars and a numb feeling at the incision site
A bulging of organ or tissue (a hernia) at the incision site

During a laparoscopic procedure, surgical instruments are inserted into your abdomen, which may cause damage to your intestines or blood vessels.

You should discuss any unique risks with your healthcare provider before the procedure.